Tracey Oberg applied a mint-flavored fluoride to the surface of 9-year-old Nashelley’s chompers, strengthening the hard enamel against the sticky layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay. She then swabbed a plastic protective sealant over the back molars. Nashelley said it tasted “kinda spicy.” Oberg sent the fourth-grader back to class in less than 20 minutes.

Compare that to average dental visit, which causes students to miss an estimated two hours of class.

Monday morning, the police, fire, and ambulance service emergency responders who kept people alive that day earned local recognition, too, celebrated for what they did on those two frenetic mid-August days against “overwhelming odds.”